Come and Dance With Me

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music. -Billy Joel [video width="480" height="272" m4v="http://www.childreninspiringhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/music-to-our-ears-fb-version.m4v"][/video]

Today is significantly hotter than yesterday, and we are already dripping in the first classroom. Kids will be kids, wherever you are on the planet, and the first class gets a little out of control- in regards to listening and following our directions. Kelvin has them all stand for the discussion and sit one-by-one as they share solutions for water issues locally. The kids are eagerly grouped around us sharing their projects, which escalates the heat significantly. Their excitement is overflowing from the bracelets they have received from Oglethorpe Charter School in Savannah, and the opportunity to string their own colors in return and messages in return. The students were particularly touched that we called each of them by name to receive their bracelet from the friend they wrote to last exchange.

We look a little disheveled, to say to least, as we head to Susan’s class. She noticed immediately are faces are a little spent, and she quickly shares one of her cardinal phrases, don’t mind them. We smile alone at her acknowledgement, and she takes it a step further having the kids open our circle with song and dance. There is joyous explosion of energy in the room! This class of students has been participating since they were in the 2nd grade, and this is their last exchange with us, making it a little bitter sweet. This is also a special class as two new programs are connecting for the first time, lead by Kathee Cammisa and Leslie Rosenberg, the CIH Facilitator Team that traveled here two years ago.

Timbersong Academy has sent beautiful prayer flags with their messages for peace for water and others. They have also sent a book full of beautiful paintings with messages about what water might say if it could speak, or blessings for it in general. Children’s Place has sent water drawings, and while simple, as they are younger children, the students are no less excited to receive them. A veteran group, they get straight to work, and many actually ask to do two art pieces.